Austria

Eastern Europe has experienced more change in the last generation than any other part of Europe. With war-era grandpas now gone, across the former Warsaw Pact zone new museums and memorials deal candidly with the dark side of communism — and fascism before that. And now that the economy is perking up, impressive renovations and infrastructure improvements are springing up across the region.

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: May 01, 2018 10:55 EST1. RECENT UPDATESEditorial.2. ADVISORIESAustria - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in Austria.3. SECURITYCrimePetty crime (such as pickpocketing and bag snatching) can occur, particularly in tourist areas. Be particularly careful at night.Thieves are active in crowded public areas such as:pedestrian shopping areasrestaurants and caféshotel lobbiestrain stationspublic transportationtourist attractionsThieves often target international night trains travelling to and from Austria.Ensure your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.FraudATM fraud occurs, particularly in Vienna. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by othersuse ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or businessavoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual featurecover the keypad with one hand when entering your PINcheck for any unauthorized transactions on your account statementsMore about overseas fraudTerrorismThere is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.Targets could include:government buildings, including schoolsplaces of worshipairports and other transportation hubs and networkspublic areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreignersAlways be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.DemonstrationsDemonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking placeFollow the instructions of local authoritiesMonitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrationsMore about mass gatherings (large-scale events)Road safetyRoad conditions are generally good.Mountain roads are often narrow and covered with snow and ice during winter. Roads may close due to avalanches. Carry tire chains in the car if you intend to use mountain roads.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesMountain activitiesIf you intend to do mountaineering or skiing:never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable companybuy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuationensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activityensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazardinform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to campknow the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatalobtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes, particularly in early or late winter4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the Austrian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.Schengen areaAustria is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.General information about the Schengen areaForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaPassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave from the Schengen area.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 daysBusiness visa: Not required for stays up 90 daysWork visa: RequiredStudent visa: RequiredChildren and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesHealthcare is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.Travel health and safety6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Canada and Austria are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Austria to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Austrian authorities.Identification checksYou must carry identification, such as your passport, at all times. Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport in a secure location in case of loss or seizure.It is illegal to cover your face in public places in Austria. Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in Austria, in certain cases.If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Austria, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.More about dual Austrian citizenship – Austrian government portalGeneral information for travellers with dual citizenshipIllegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect a jail sentence and a heavy fine.DrivingYou should carry an international driving permit or a German translation of your driver's licence. If you are in Austria for more than 12 months you must obtain an Austrian licence.You must be 18 years old to drive in Austria.Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines, and local authorities can confiscate your driver's licence on the spotThe use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless it is fitted with a hands-free device.You cannot turn right on a red light. A blinking green light is equivalent to an amber light in Canada: it doesn't mean that you have the right-of-way to advance.Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15.All vehicles must have the following in case of a breakdown:a first-aid kita warning trianglehigh visibility vests (to be carried in the passenger compartment, not the trunk) for the driver and any passenger who leaves the vehicleHighway travel requires that you purchase an autobahn vignette (similar to a toll) sticker. You must affix the sticker to the car's windshield. You can purchase a vignette at all major border crossings, major gas stations and small tabak (tobacco) shops located throughout Austria. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines that you must pay on the spot.More about the International Driving PermitMore information about driving in Austria - European CommissionMoneyThe currency is the euro (EUR).Credit cards are widely accepted at main hotels, shops and restaurants. Smaller establishments may only accept cash. ATMs are widely available.If you are carrying more than €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs upon your entry or exit to the European Union. The sum can be in cash, cheque, money order, traveller's cheque or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.More information about cash controls - European Commission7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEAvalanchesThere is a risk of avalanches, especially following heavy snowfalls, and some have resulted in deaths.Be particularly careful in the alpine areas of Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol and Vorarlberg.Always carefully follow the advice of local authorities.European Avalanche Warning ServicesSeasonal risksHeavy rains may occur in the spring and summer, sometimes resulting in flooding and mudslides.In winter, heavy snowfalls may occur in towns and ski resorts. They may also make roads made impassable.

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